Meet Hickmatu
Award winning photographer and artist from Freetown, Sierra Leone with a passion for public health and storytelling.
Hickmatu Bintu Leigh's story begins in Sierra Leone, West Africa, where she grew up as the only child in a bustling household.
Surrounded by elderly relatives and predominantly men, her childhood was marked by solitude.
In these quiet moments, Hickmatu's imagination came alive. She would create intricate scenarios, conjure vivid characters, and dream of distant places.
As a child, Hickmatu had a different dream – she aspired to become a medical doctor. It was a noble ambition, one she pursued with unwavering determination. Yet, beneath the surface, an unspoken fascination with photography simmered.
She fell in love with photography and the ability to capture life from behind the lens instead of the operating table.
The turning point in Hickmatu's life came when she stumbled upon Studio X, a local photography studio. Holding a camera in her hands for the first time sent shivers of excitement down her spine.
It was here that her true passion was born.
Hickmatu's education in photography was unconventional – she learned by observing others, watching intently as they changed backgrounds and operated cameras.
However, her journey as a female photographer in a male-dominated field was far from easy. Clients often mistook her for a makeup artist or a girlfriend of one of the clients, rather than the photographer.
Some hesitated, unsure about having their pictures taken by a woman. These challenges were disheartening, but they also ignited a fire within Hickmatu – a determination to break through stereotypes and prove her worth.
Hickmatu's dedication and willingness to learn allowed her to stand out in an industry that predominantly focused on beauty. However, she didn't want to follow the crowd.
Drawing inspiration from her childhood, where expressing herself had been challenging, she decided to use her photography to tell stories. As she delved deeper into storytelling, she realized that her male counterparts weren't rivals; they were allies, willing to guide and share their knowledge.
Hickmatu's talent for visual storytelling has seen her work with clients such as UNICEF, UNAIDS, WHO and King's College London, in addition to her work as Artist in Residence at Purposeful.
Hickmatu's mission extended beyond proving herself as a photographer. She aimed to break down barriers and demonstrate that women could excel in any profession. She was determined to shatter gender stereotypes and show that one's gender should never limit their potential.
Despite facing countless rejections when applying for photography opportunities, Hickmatu refused to be discouraged. Insecurity gnawed at her; she had never won anything in her life. However, her conviction in her work overcame her doubts, compelling her to apply for an award.
It was a bold step, a leap of faith that marked a turning point. Being named a finalist was an achievement in itself, a validation of her talent and hard work.
But when Hickmatu won the UN Foundation SDG Vanguard Award, it was a moment of overwhelming joy and pride. This award, previously unimaginable, now adorned her list of accomplishments.
"Hickmatu is a beacon of inspiration as a young storyteller, photographer, and feminist champion. Through her lens, she is pioneering a new narrative, reframing the way young feminists are perceived not just in Sierra Leone but globally, boldly championing progress for all generations."
Our SDG Vanguard Award aims to shine a light on a young leader under 30, particularly focusing on SDG 4 (quality education) and SDG 5 (gender equality). In nominating Hickmatu, UN Foundation recognizes and celebrates her remarkable contributions within the Purposeful network, exemplifying passion and commitment that transcends expectations for her community. This nomination also serves as an excellent platform to promote youth activism in the region and to underscore the transformative impact of Purposeful’s work on the world stage.
Our SDG Vanguard Award aims to shine a light on a young leader under 30, particularly focusing on SDG 4 (quality education) and SDG 5 (gender equality). In nominating Hickmatu, UN Foundation recognizes and celebrates her remarkable contributions within the Purposeful network, exemplifying passion and commitment that transcends expectations for her community. This nomination also serves as an excellent platform to promote youth activism in the region and to underscore the transformative impact of Purposeful’s work on the world stage.
It symbolized her journey from a little girl with big dreams to a woman making a significant impact on the world stage.
Hickmatu's journey is one of perseverance and self-belief. She encourages young girls to keep pushing forward, to ignore the doubts and setbacks, and to remain focused on their goals. She understands that the journey can be tough, but she also knows that the rewards are worth it.
Hickmatu's future plans involve merging her background in public health with her photography and videography skills to tell stories about health issues affecting young women and children.
In Hickmatu Bintu Leigh's story, we find inspiration to chase our passions, break through barriers, and make a profound impact on the world – just as Hickmatu did.
Hickmatu Leigh
Hickmatu Leigh (1997) is a Sierra Leonean artist based in Freetown. Her work is centred around Sierra Leonean women, sharing their stories, and supporting systems that bring their bodies what they need— fundamental human rights.
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